Glossary Term

Donor Registries

A confidential electronic database in which individuals can enter and store their wish to be an organ and tissue donor. Most registries are for a single state, but a few serve more than one state. Most registries have enrollment capacity through the motor vehicle offices and many also have online registry portals. Because registry information is accessible on a 24/7 basis to authorized procurement personnel, it is the safest and quickest way to determine if a deceased individual wanted to be a donor.
(Organdonor.gov April 2020)

Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, online registries provide authorized professionals access to a confidential database of registered organ donors, allowing easy and quick confirmation of an individual’s consent to organ donation. All registries are voluntary and some are affiliated with the local motor vehicle bureau, while others are independently operated or OPO-based.
(OPTN Glossary May 2021)

Every state has its own donor registry and is generally tied into the Department of Motor Vehicles. To become an organ donor, on must sign up with your state’s registry, or on-line through the registry website.
(Organ Toolbox Workgroup , 2018 & Community Hospital Resource Guide Workgroup, 2019)

Each state has its own official donor registry and is usually integrated with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Additionally, Donate Life America manages a national donor registry. To register as an organ donor, one must say yes during a driver license transaction or register online. In many states, donor registration is considered legal consent for donation (see First Person Authorization).
(Alliance Terminology & Data Resources May 2021)